Methodology

Our underlying and unifying theme of Graham Nicholas is that every project we work on must be exceptional. We believe that great design and project management must always be interconnected. They are disciplines which must be taken together if lasting quality and value are to be achieved.

We also believe that every design problem is unique. Rather than being guided primarily by abstract theories, we combine practicalities with exceptional design.

Our understanding of structural system, technologies, acoustics, environmental sustainability and commercial imperatives allows us to design spaces that are underpinned with clear and assured confidence that the workspace will work.

Our methodology follows 7 key stages where we seek to:

1. UNDERSTAND

Understand the brand, cultural needs, business goals, staff utilisation and requirements, location, work processes, operational needs, and all key performance measures. This will help us uncover key insights about the motivations of staff, business, and future intentions.

2. DEFINE

Define a clear and true direction.

Define the project metrics.

Define the needs, purpose, timeline and budgets.

3. IDEATE

Establish a differentiating and ownable idea that is competitively advantageous, scalable and responsive.

Explore future-scaping ideas.

Review where furnishings can be reconfigured to improve cost, ergonomics or performance.

4. DESIGN

Co-design with client and staff.

Design new workspaces that achieve a superior benchmark.

5. TEST

Test fit or prototype a space, pilot design solution.

Test against defined objectives, cost, performances and timelines.

6. SPECIFY

Establish all technical specifications to ensure unambiguous interpretations of drawings for all required scope and services to provide accurate costs.

Provide project fixed costs.

7. DELIVER

Effectively project manage the fit-out works maintaining the fidelity of the workplace design.

We Build Co-Creation
Into Everything We Do

From corporate brand values to consumer brand innovation, we believe the most lasting ideas are created with the people who matter most – employees, customers, partners and the wider public. Our approach offers a chance to engage with large numbers of people throughout the process to develop insights, ideas and validate our thinking. Which makes things lower risk, smarter and more engaging.

Our Clients Are Bold And Ambitious Business Leaders

20 Years of Difference

Connecting, Working and Succeeding

For us, design is a conduit and instrument to establish new ways of connecting, working, and succeeding. The starting points are goals, strategies and expectations, but it transcends them to create a new and better reality. Design is transformative.

Thought Leadership

The majority of workplace designs that are being implemented throughout offices today are based on strategies that are 5 years old. In 2019 the workforce will be very different. It will be more nimble, better connected, highly collaborative, and energised.